How Will Climate Change Affect Plants and Animals in Washington?

Climate change is expected to cause significant changes in plant and animal distributions and communities, and may threaten the some of the region’s iconic species. The timing of biological events, such as spring budburst and migration, will shift for many species. Sea level rise is projected to displace coastal habitats and the species that depend on them. Ocean acidification will negatively impact marine species and ecosystems, particularly shellfish. Recent studies have provided projections specific to Pacific Northwest species and ecosystems, and significantly more detail on the impacts of ocean acidification on Washington’s marine species.